English, where does it derive from???

Answer 1

English is a a West Germanic language. It comes from Old English aka Anglo Saxon, but has more influence form French and Latin than the other West Germanic languages (due to the Norman Conquest).

Related modern languages are Scottish, Dutch and German.

Answer 2

The absolute best answer to this question is in the first few pages of every Webster's dictionary. There's a 3-4 page summary of the History of the English language, and it's fantastic. English started with Germanic roots, but the English of 1300 years ago would be utterly incomprehensible to us today. Not just the vocabulary, the entire grammatical structure was different Only after the Norman invasion, when the Normans brought the Latin influence, did Middle English start to take shape. But it was only after about the 1500s did modern English start to develop, very differently than any other language (Shakespeare is "only" 400 years old, but his works are a challenge for the average reader).

It's a neat synopsis on a very interesting history.

Answer 3

Comes from the West Germanic branch of Indo-European, broke off in the 5th Century or so when some of those dudes moved to England. Was influenced a wee bit by the Celts who were already there, and lots of vocabulary and some crazy spelling came from the French who conquered the English and moved the royalty in in 1066.

Answer 4

The earliest known residents of the British Isles were the Celts, who spoke Celtic languages—a separate branch of the Indo-European language family tree. Over the centuries the British Isles were invaded and conquered by various peoples, who brought their languages and customs with them as they settled in their new lives. There is now very little Celtic influence left in English. The earliest time when we can say that English was spoken was in the 5th century CE (Common Era—a politically correct term used to replace AD).

In case you hadn’t made the connection, “England” <– “Engla Land” <– Angle Land (Land of the Angles, a people of northern old Germany). Their name lives on in the district of England named East Anglia, and also in the Anglican Church.

Answer 5

I'm stealing this beautiful answer from someone else:

Take a bowl of Low German (Frisian variety would be good.) Add three cups of Danish. Season lightly with Celtic and Latin. Allow to marinate for 600 years, and then stir in three cups of Norman French. Bake for 1000 years, constantly basting with Latin, Greek, and Spanish. Season to taste with other languages.

He knows I like his answer and just have to share it :)

Answer 6

English is a Germanic language. It might also come from latin too.